Malonate transporters

ABSTRACT

The methods and systems disclose enzymes that function to import malonic acid or malonates into a cell. The enzymes increase the output of precursor molecules by enriching certain pathways in the cell. The precursor molecules can be converted to cannabinoids. The enzymes are a family of proteins which have a majority of common alignments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED

The Sequence Listing, which is a part of the present disclosure, includes a computer readable form and a written sequence listing comprising nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences of the present invention. The sequence listing information recorded in computer readable form is identical to the written sequence listing. The ASCII text file, entitled “SeqMALONATETRANSPORTERS.txt” was created on Oct. 27, 2019 using PatentIn version 3.5 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The subject matter of the Sequence Listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the production of cannabinoids in a heterologous cell and to methods for improving production of these molecules by genetically modifying the host organism. More specifically, a malonate transporter enzyme is overexpressed to facilitate import of malonic acid or its salt malonate. This improves titers of cannabinoid molecules, wherein malonic acid is a precursor of cannabinoids that is directly incorporated into cannabinoids during biosynthesis. The process occurs in genetically engineered host cell(s) that can produce cannabinoids.

INTRODUCTION

Cannabinoids, which are organic small molecules being investigated for treatment for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, may be obtained via biosynthesis. The biosynthesis of cannabinoids can take place in plants, micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, algae, fungi (yeast and mold), protozoa, and viruses). Malonic acid (C₃H₄O₄, CAS Number 141-82-2), which also is referred to as propanedioic acid or methanedicarboxylic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid that is a competitive inhibitor of succinic dehydrogenase in the Krebs cycle.

Coenzyme A reacts with malonic acid and acetyl-CoA to yield Malonyl-CoA (C₂₄H₃₈N₇O₁₉P₃S, CAS Number 524-14-1) and Acetyl-CoA (C₂₃H₃₈N₇O₁₇P₃S, CAS Number 72-89-9), respectively. Malonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA are precursors for fatty acid biosynthesis and polyketide biosynthesis. More specifically, malonyl-CoA is highly regulated molecule in fatty acid synthesis and thereby inhibits the rate-limiting step in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Carnitine is inhibited from associating with malonyl-CoA by regulating the enzyme carnitine acyltransferase. In turn, the fatty acids and carnitine are prevented from entering into mitochondria for oxidation or degradation of fatty acids.

Genetic modifications may allow cells to uptake carbon sources, such as sugars, small molecule carbon substrates (e.g., malonic acid, malonate derivatives, acetyl derivatives), and co-feed biomass systems, for conversion into useable precursors for the production of cannabinoids more efficiently. The genetic modifications are directed to genes encoding proteins, such as enzymes, involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis. Accordingly, the genetic modifications can increase the output of cannabinoids by altering the production capacity of the cell from the natural state of the cell.

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present teachings will become better understood with reference to the following description, examples and appended claims.

SUMMARY

The present teachings include methods for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in a host cell. The method can include: expressing a family of genes; inserting the family of genes into the host cell and thereby enhancing a level of malonate transporters in the host cell; suppressing the first pathway in the host cell while enriching the second pathway in the host cell by enhancing the level of malonate transporters in the cell; and enhancing titers of a product commencing at the second pathway in the host cell. The family of genes may comprise at least nine nodes divided among a plurality of generations in a phylogenetic network. The host cell comprises at least a first pathway and a second pathway:

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, host cell can derive from an organism. The organism can be selected from Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, and Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, the malonate transporters can comprise SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3. SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, and SEQ ID NO: 3 can include a first set of shared elements.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7 can include a second set of shared elements.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID NO: 8 can include respective sequences encoded by a first polypeptide.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12 can include: (i) respective sequences encoded by a second polypeptide and a third polypeptide; and (ii) a first subunit and a second subunit.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10 can include alignments along the first subunit.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12 can include alignments along the second subunit.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, the family of genes can include genes selected from MAE1, JEN2, OAC1, OAC1 delta N28, MadM, MdcM, MadL, and MdcL.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell, the product is olivetol, olivetolic acid, derivatives of olivetol, or derivatives of olivetolic acid.

In the method for enhancing titers of the product commencing at the second pathway in the host cell can include: reacting the product with a first intermediate, as catalyzed by a first enzyme, and thereby yielding a second intermediate; and isomerizing the second intermediate, as catalyzed by a second enzyme, a third enzyme, or fourth enzyme, and thereby yielding the cannabinoid molecules.

In the method for enhancing titers of the product commencing at the second pathway in the host cell can include: the first intermediate which is geranyl diphosphate and the second intermediate which is cannabigerolic acid.

In the method for enhancing titers of the product commencing at the second pathway in the host cell can include: the first enzyme which is aromatic prenyltransferase; the second enzyme which is tetrahydrocannabiolic acid (THCA) synthase; the third enzyme which is cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase; and the fourth enzyme which is cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase.

In the method for enhancing titers of the product commencing at the second pathway in the host cell can include: the cannabinoid molecules which are THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.

In the method for increasing production of cannabinoid molecules in the host cell can further include: fermenting the host cell; and isolating the cannabinoid molecules.

The present teachings include a family of overexpressed genes to yield polypeptide amino acid sequences among SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12. The SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12 can include respective amino acid sequences that is at least 95% homologous to the SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12. The SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12 can derive from the family of overexpressed genes inserted into a host cell. The family of overexpressed genes can be reengineered and thereby yielding at least nine nodes divided among a plurality of generations in a phylogenetic network and codon-optimized DNA.

The amino sequences among the SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12 can derive from Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii, Rhizobium trifolii, Malomonas rubra, and Pseudomonas putida.

The amino acid sequences among the SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12 can include: an assembly of amino acids for facilitating malonate transporters and aligned amino acid sequences. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences shared among the SEQ ID NO: 1, the SEQ ID NO: 2, and the SEQ ID NO: 3. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 1, the SEQ ID NO: 2, the SEQ ID NO: 3, the SEQ ID NO: 4, the SEQ ID NO: 6, the SEQ ID NO: 7, and the SEQ ID NO: 8. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 1, the SEQ ID NO: 2, the SEQ ID NO: 3, the SEQ ID NO: 4, the SEQ ID NO: 5, the SEQ ID NO: 6, the SEQ ID NO: 7, and the SEQ ID NO: 8. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 9, the SEQ ID NO: 10, the SEQ ID NO: 11, and the SEQ ID NO: 12. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 9 and the SEQ ID NO: 10 along a first subunit. A majority of aligned amino acid sequences are shared among the SEQ ID NO: 11 and the SEQ ID NO: 12, along a second subunit.

The isolated amino acid sequences among the SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 12 can include the host cell. The host cell can include a pathway commencing at a product, wherein the product is a precursor to cannabinoid molecules.

The present teachings include a modified host organism. The modified host organism can include: at least a first pathway and a second pathway in cells of the modified host organism; and a polypeptide integrated into a plasmid of the cells of the modified host organism. The modified host organism can contain modified genes inserted from at least one of: Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii, Rhizobium trifolii, Malomonas rubra, Pseudomonas putida, and Malonomonas rubra. The first pathway can take carbon flux away from a product in response to the polypeptide integrated into the plasmid of the cells of the modified host organism. The second pathway can provide carbon flux towards the product in response to the polypeptide integrated into the plasmid of the cells of the modified host organism. The polypeptide can include an amino acid sequence selected from: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5. SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12.

DRAWINGS

Those of skill in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 depicts a table of amino acids used to construct the (amino acid) sequences in proteins.

FIG. 2A depicts the pathways involved in the biosynthesis of olivetolic acid.

FIG. 2B depicts the pathways involved in the biosynthesis of cannabinoids.

FIG. 3 depicts a phylogenetic network/tree for visualizing the relatedness of malonate transporters herein.

FIG. 4 depicts sequence alignments and relationships for the malonate transporters herein encoded by a MAE1 gene.

FIG. 5 depicts sequence alignments and relationships for the malonate transporters herein encoded by a JEN2 gene.

FIG. 6 depicts sequence alignments and relationships for the malonate transporters herein encoded by a single polypeptide.

FIGS. 7A-7B depicts sequence alignments and relationships for the malonate transporters herein encoded by multiple polypeptides, where FIG. 7A depicts alignments of M-subunits and FIG. 7B depicts alignments of L-subunits.

FIG. 8 depicts a fold increase in cannabinoid precursors where the malonate transporters herein are overexpressed.

FIG. 9 depicts fermentation products where the malonate transporters herein are overexpressed in a HPLC chromatogram.

FIG. 10 depicts a HPLC chromatogram of cannabinoid precursors where the malonate transporters are not overexpressed and the malonate transporters herein are overexpressed.

FIG. 11 depicts fermentation products where the malonate transporter therein is overexpressed in an ultraviolet (UV)-visible (vis) spectrum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to the production of cannabinoids in a heterologous cell and to methods for improving production of precursor molecules to the cannabinoids by genetically modifying the host organism. More specifically, a method for production of cannabinoids by increasing a concentration of the precursor molecule is disclosed. The methodologies described in this invention are applicable to all cannabinoid and terpene species produced by fermentation that include, but are not limited to: cannabinoids produced by the metabolic pathway commencing with olivetolic acid; cannabinoids produced by the metabolic pathway commencing with divarinic acid; cannabinoids produced by the metabolic pathway commencing with orsellinic acid; and terpenes produced by the metabolic pathway commencing with geranyl diphosphate.

Aspects of the present teachings may be further understood in light of the following figures, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 is a table of the amino acid residues found in amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences are the molecular basis for constructing and assembling proteins, such as enzymes. Genes are regions of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The genetic code defines the sequence of nucleotide triplets (i.e., codons) for specifying which amino acids are added during protein synthesis. The amino acid sequences in the proteins, as defined by the sequence of a gene, are encoded in the genetic code. Peptide bonds (i.e., polypeptides) are formed between amino acids and assemble three-dimensionally (3-D). The 3-D assembly can influence the properties, function, and conformational dynamics of the protein. Within biological systems, the protein may: (i) catalyze reactions as enzymes; (ii) transport vesicles, molecules, and other entities within cells as transporter entities; (iii) provide structure to cells and organisms as protein filaments; (iv) replicate DNA; and (v) coordinate actions of cells as cell signalers.

The system comprises at least one or more enzymes that function to import a precursor molecule for the pathways above into the cell, especially for transporting malonic acid or malonates. These enzymes are malonate transporters that contain one or more polypeptide chains.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict biosynthesis pathways impacted by the malonate transporters disclosed herein. Metabolic pathways, biosynthesis pathways, and pathways refer to sequential chemical transformations in a cell or an organism.

In the presence of the malonate transporters herein, malonic acid or malonate may be transported into a host cell to yield malonyl-CoA. Malonic acid may be converted to malonyl-CoA in the presence of malonyl CoA synthase or malonyl CoA synthetases. Malonyl CoA synthases do not use energy from nucleoside triphosphates for the formation of malonyl-CoA Malonyl CoA synthetases use energy from nucleoside triphosphates for the formation of malonyl-CoA. The malonate transporters herein can increase pool of substrate available to malonyl CoA synthase or malonyl CoA synthetases. Accordingly, the output of malonyl-CoA can increase in the presence of the malonate transporters herein without denaturing of malonyl CoA synthase or malonyl CoA synthetases.

In the presence of the malonate transporters herein, olivetolic acid may be directly obtained when three molecules of malonyl-CoA react with one molecule of hexanoyl-CoA via PKS olivetolic acid synthase-mediated enzymes. The linear pentyl alkyl portion (C₅H₁₁) connected to the phenyl ring derives from the hexanoyl-CoA, which has C₅H₁₁ connected to the carbonyl of the hexanoyl-CoA. Further, decarboxylation of the carboxylic acid group in olivetolic acid may yield olivetol.

In the presence of the malonate transporters herein, the biosynthesis pathway can proceed towards the formation of cannabigerol and cannabinoid molecules, despite the decarboxylation. In the presence of the malonate transporters herein in the host cells, the geranyl unit from geranyl diphosphate can selectively and exclusively add to the carbon of olivetol that is concomitantly in the ortho-position to both phenol groups of olivetol. In turn, cannabigerol, which is the decarboxylated derivative of cannabigerolic acid, can be obtained. Accordingly, conversion of olivetolic acid to olivetol in the presence of the malonate transporters herein does not revert to malonate-CoA, hexonyl-CoA, or other structures.

In the presence of the malonate transporters herein, olivetolic acid may be indirectly obtained when three molecules of malonyl-CoA react with one molecule of hexanoyl-CoA via a C₁₂ polyketide intermediate (not depicted in FIG. 2A). The C₁₂ polyketide intermediate has a chemical formula of: (H₁₁C₅—)(C)(═O)(—CH₂—)C(═O)(—CH₂—)(C)(═O)(—CH₂—)(C)(═O)(-SCoA)  (1).

In the presence of the malonate transporters herein, decarboxylations of malonyl-CoA yields acetyl-SCoA enolate. Upon a first decarboxylation of the first malonyl-CoA, the resulting acetyl-SCoA enolate is a nucleophile. The nucleophile reacts with hexanoyl-CoA and thereby increases the carbon chain length by two carbons. This structure is an eight carbon long chain containing a single 1,3-dicarbonyl motif. The second and third decarboxylations of the second malonyl-CoA and the third malonyl-CoA react with the eight carbon long structure containing the single 1,3-dicarbonyl motif to yield formula 1.

The conversion of malonate or malonic acid, as transported by malonate transporters herein, to malonyl-CoA may facilitate pathways and carbon fluxes that yield products, such as olivetolic acid or structurally similar aromatic systems. These products may be precursor molecules for yielding intermediate molecules for conversion to cannabinoid target molecules and/or cannabinoid target molecules. In an example, olivetolic acid, as a precursor molecule, may be reacted with geranyl diphospate, as an intermediate molecule, in the presence of aromatic prenyltransferase to yield cannabigerolic acid, as another intermediate molecule. Cannabigerolic acid may then be isomerized to a cannabinoid target molecule. In an example, THCA synthase catalyzes the isomerization for converting cannabigerolic acid to tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid (THCA). In another example, CBDA synthase catalyzes the isomerization for converting cannabigerolic acid to cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). In yet another example, CBCA synthase catalyzes the isomerization for converting cannabigerolic acid to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

By expressing or overexpressing malonate transporters, the malonate transporters herein can selectively enrich pathways for forming and transporting malonyl-CoA, without interfering or impeding pathways which yield or commence at: hexanoic acid; malonate; malonic acid; olivetolic acid or olivetol; geranyl diphospate; and/or cannabigerolic acid.

By enriching these pathways, carbon flux is: (i) directed towards these molecules; and (ii) directed away from certain pathways that: (a) consume these molecules by chemical conversion such that (b) the output of cannabigerolic acid or cannabinoid molecules is not decreased. For example, while olivetolic acid or olivetol may be consumed by reacting with geranyl diphosphate to yield cannabigerolic acid (which can be isomerized to a cannabinoid), the malonate transporters herein do not suppress the formation of olivetolic acid or olivetol prior to reacting with geranyl diphosphate. Similarly, the malonate transporters herein do not suppress: (i) the formation of geranyl diphosphate prior to reacting with olivetolic acid; (ii) the formation of hexanoic acid, which is converted to hexanoyl-Co; and (iii) the formation of hexanoyl-CoA, which reacts with malonyl-CoA to yield olivetolic acid or olivetol. Upon modifying the host cells and expressing the malonate transporter herein, the titers of olivetolic acid or olivetol can experience a fold increase of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, or 4.1.

While not depicted in FIG. 2, the malonate transporters herein are compatible with a pathway commencing at divarinic acid and a metabolic pathway commencing at orsellinic acid to yield cannabinoids.

FIG. 3 depicts a phylogenetic network/tree for visualizing the relatedness of malonate transporters herein.

Genes herein may be expressed (or overexpressed) and transformed into strains of the organisms herein to express the malonate transporter herein in the organisms herein. The malonate transporters herein can have shared functions and sequence elements among the individual members of the enzyme family deriving from an expressed gene and a genetically modified organism.

The genes herein can include but are not limited to: MAE1, JEN2, OAC1, OAC1 delta N28, MatC, MadM, MdcM, MadL, and MdcL.

The organisms herein can genetically modified bacteria, fungi, and plants.

The species of the organisms herein, which are genetically modified by inserting the genes herein, can include but are not limited to: Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii, and Rhizobium trifolii.

The malonate transporters herein can include but are not limited to the combination of species of organisms herein and genes herein: Schizosaccharomyces japonicus-MAE1, Schizosaccharomyces pombe-MAE1, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus-MAE1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1 delta N28, Kluyveromyces lactis-JEN2, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii-JEN2, Rhizobium trifolii, Malomonas rubra-MadM, Pseudomonas putida-MdCM, Malonomonas rubra-MadL, and Pseudomonas putida-MdcL.

In FIG. 3, the phylogenetic network/tree of the malonate transporters herein may have nodes d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7, d8, and d9. These nodes are points where a common genetic ancestor may undergo speciation. The point of speciation at node d1 may correspond to a first generation. The points of speciation at nodes d2, d3, and d4 may correspond to a second generation. The points of speciation at nodes d5, d6, d7, d8, and d9 may correspond to a third generation.

At node d2, speciation can lead to malonate transporter Schizosaccharomyces japonicus-MAE1 and branching to node d5.

At node d5, speciation can lead to malonate transporters Schizosaccharomyces pombe-MAE1 and Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus-MAE1.

At node d6, speciation can lead to malonate transporters Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1 delta N28. The sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1 delta N28 is truncated by 28 amino acids, in comparison to Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1.

At node d7, speciation can lead to Kluyveromyces lactis-JEN2 and Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii-JEN2.

At node d4, speciation can lead to Rhizobium trifolii-MatC and branching at node d8.

At node d8, speciation can lead to Malomonas rubra-MadM and Pseudomonas putida-MdCM.

At node d9, speciation can lead to Malonomonas rubra-MadL and Pseudomonas putida-MdcL.

Native DNA sequences may be used or DNA sequences may be codon optimized to improve gene expression and encoding the malonate transporters herein. Sequence alignments of the malonate transporters herein may be determined to identify regions of similarity resulting from functional, structural, or evolutionary relationships between the amino acid sequences of the malonate transporters herein.

In an example, the MadL and MadM genes from Malomonas rubra are co-overexpressed in 1:1 stoichiometry to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the MatC gene from Rhizobium trifolii is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the OAC1 gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules. Either full length OAC1 may be used or an N-terminal truncation can be used to change the subcellular localization of the enzyme.

In an example, the MAE1 gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the JEN2 gene from Kluyveromyces lactis overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the MAE1 gene from Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the MAE1 gene from Schizosaccharomyces japonicus is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the JEN2 gene from Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii is overexpressed to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

In an example, the MdcL and MdcM genes from Pseudomonas putida are co-overexpressed in 1:1 stoichiometry to facilitate transport of malonic acid or its salt, malonate, into the host cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules.

The malonate transporters herein may be single polypeptide enzymes encoded by the MAE1 gene or the JEN2 gene. Amino acid sequences of MAE1 or JEN2-derived malonate transporters herein may be obtained from different organisms yet share common amino acid sequence elements (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). In FIG. 4, the alignment of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus-MAE1, Schizosaccharomyces pombe-MAE1, and Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus-MAE1 are depicted. In FIG. 5, the alignment of Kluyveromyces lactis-JEN2 and Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii-JEN2 are depicted.

Amino acid sequence elements may share common amino acid sequence elements to malonate transporters herein encoded by a single polypeptide (see FIG. 6). In FIG. 6, the alignment of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus-MAE1, Schizosaccharomyces pombe-MAE1, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus-MAE1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae-OAC1 delta N, Kluyveromyces lactis-JEN2, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii-JEN2, and Rhizobium trifolii-MatC are depicted.

Malonate transporters herein comprising multiple polypeptides may be encoded by the MadM, MadL MdcM, or MdcL genes; and share amino acid sequence elements which have: (i) an alignment of M-subunit(s) (see FIG. 7A); and (ii) an alignment of L-subunit(s) (see FIG. 7B). In FIG. 7A the alignment of Malomonas rubra-MadM and Pseudomonas putida-MdCM are depicted. In FIG. 7B, the alignment of Malonomonas rubra-MadL and Pseudomonas rubra-MdcL are depicted.

EXAMPLES

Aspects of the present teachings may be further understood in light of the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present teachings in any way.

In the examples below, genetically engineered host cells may be any species of yeast herein, including but not limited to any species of Saccharomyces, Candida, Schizosaccharomyces, Yarrowia, etc., which have been genetically altered to produce precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoid molecules. Additionally, genetically engineered host cells may be any species of filamentous fungus, including but not limited to any species of Aspergillus, which have been genetically altered to produce precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoid molecules.

In the examples below, the malonate transporters herein derive from bacteria herein, such as Rhizobium trifolii, Malomonas rubra, and Pseudomonas putida. Genes from the bacteria herein are inserted into the yeast herein or filamentous fungus. Fermentation; production of cannabinoid molecules; production of intermediate molecules; and production of precursor molecules occur in yeast and other types of fungi.

The combination of the malonate transporters herein deriving from the bacteria herein and the yeast herein or filamentous fungus as host cells increase the titers of precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoid molecules. Stated another way, the amounts of precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoids molecules can be increased in the host cells on the fold scale by merely incorporating malonate transporters herein. The malonate transporters herein are introduced in the host cells such that the level of the malonate transporters in the host cell is increased in comparison to the natural level of malonate transporters in the host cells. The incorporation of the malonate transporters herein does not damage the host cells. Instead, the malonate transporters herein incorporated into the host cell direct the carbon flux in the host cells towards precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoids molecules. As described in more detail in the examples below, the carbon flux towards cannabinoids in the host cells is increased from the increased pool of malonate.

Example 1—A Protocol for Facilitating Malonate Transport

Gene sequences are chosen from publicly available databases. The gene sequences are codon optimized to improve expression using techniques disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/719,430, filed Sep. 28, 2017, entitled “An Isolated Codon Optimized Nucleic Acid”. DNA sequences are synthesized and cloned using techniques known in the art. Gene expression is controlled by inducible promoter systems. Malonate transporter genes are transformed into strains of an organism using standard yeast or fungus transformation methods. The organism contains cells, wherein the cells contain expressed malonate transporter genes for: (i) producing cannabinoid molecules and precursor molecules to cannabinoid molecules; and (ii) increasing an output of cannabinoid molecules and precursor molecules to cannabinoid molecules. In the presence or absence of exogenous malonic acid or malonate, fermentations are run to determine if the importers, such as the malonate transporters herein, are able to import malonate into the cell for incorporation and eventual conversion into cannabinoid molecules. The malonate transporters herein can be integrated into the genome of the cell or maintained as an episomal plasmid. Samples are: (i) extracted using a combination of dissolution, purification, and fermentation steps; and (ii) analyzed by HPLC for the presence of precursor molecules, intermediate molecules, and cannabinoid molecules.

More specifically, the samples are extracted with the aid of solid phase materials (e.g., functional polymeric resins) to selectively adsorb products (e.g., olivetolic acid and olivetol) from the fermentation broth. The unwanted products are removed from these adsorbing materials via washing; filtration; centrifugation; or floatation and decanting. The desired products are: (i) eluted from the adsorbing materials using solvents, such as acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol; and (ii) purified. The adsorbing materials are returned to the position in the process cycle where adsorption of products from the fermentation onto the adsorption materials occurs. Water:methanol and water:ethanol mixtures can be used to remove unwanted materials while keeping the desired product (e.g., olivetolic acid and olivetol) adsorbed in the functional polymeric resins, wherein the mixtures are 0-70% methanol or ethanol. These steps may be used in different combinations best suited for the optimization requirements of particular fermentation products.

Example 2—A Fold Increase in Cannabinoid Precursors where the Malonate Transporters Herein are Overexpressed

Cannabinoids and precursors to the cannabinoids are made in yeast or fungus using malonate transporters herein from Pseudomonas. Titers of olivetol and olivetolic acid where malonate transporters herein are expressed or overexpressed and not expressed are compared (see FIG. 8). In FIG. 8, the scale is in level units which correspond to titers of olivetol or olivetolic acid. Responsive to expressing malonate transporters herein from Pseudomonas putida, the titers of olivetol and olivetolic acid are increased on the fold scale. When malonate transporters herein from Pseudomonas putida are not expressed, the titers of olivetolic acid and olivetol correspond to 0.93 level units and 0.42 level units, respectively. At these level units, the titers of olivetolic acid and olivetol are too low for practical commercial scale isolation of olivetolic acid and olivetol from non-genetically modified or altered strains. When malonate transporters herein from Pseudomonas putida are expressed, the titers of olivetolic acid and olivetol correspond to 3.45 level units and 1.08 level units, respectively. Accordingly, the expression of the malonate transporters herein from Pseudomonas putida leads to 3.70 fold increase in the amount of olivetolic acid and 2.57 fold increase in olivetol. At these level units, the titers of olivetolic acid and olivetol are multiple folds higher and thus, more amenable for practical commercial scale isolations than olivetolic acid and olivetol from non-genetically modified or non-altered strains.

Example 3—Fermentation Products where the Malonate Transporters Herein are Overexpressed in a HPLC Chromatogram

Spectra are compared to analytical standards to confirm the presence of cannabinoid compounds upon fermentation of organisms, where malonate transporters herein are expressed (see FIG. 9). In FIG. 9, OA corresponds to olivetolic acid and OL corresponds to olivetol. The analytical standards for OA and OL exhibit maximum absorption at a wavelength of 210 nanometers (nm) and retention times of 4.280 minutes and 4.430 minutes, respectively. Malonate transporters herein are expressed or overexpressed in the organisms herein and thereby increase the titers of OA and OL in the organisms above. The organisms herein are fermented for isolating chemical products. In FIG. 9, the HPLC chromatograms of the isolated products are taken at a wavelength of 210 nm and the peaks exhibited are identical to the analytical standards for OA and OL. This indicates that fermentation can isolate OA and OL as products of interest (i.e., precursor molecules to cannabinoids), which can be used to yield and obtain: (i) intermediate molecules, which can be further functionalized to cannabinoid molecules; and (ii) cannabinoid molecules. The malonate transporters herein do not interfere with the formation and isolation of the intermediate molecules and cannabinoids molecules. More specifically, the malonate transporters herein do not interact, alter, or denature; malonyl CoA synthase, malonyl CoA synthetases, hexanoyl CoA, PKS olivetolic acid synthase, PKS olivetol synthase, aromatic prenyltransferase, tetrahydrocannabiolic acid (THCA) synthase, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase, or cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase.

Example 4—HPLC Chromatogram of Cannabinoid Precursors where the Malonate Transporters Herein are not Overexpressed and the Malonate Transporters Herein are Overexpressed

Spectra from malonate transporters herein expressed in strains are compared to negative controls where malonate transporters herein not expressed in strains to measure the presence and production of chemical products facilitated by malonate transporters herein (see FIG. 10). In FIG. 10, OA corresponds to olivetolic acid and OL corresponds to olivetol. HPLC chromatograms and absorption at a wavelength of 210 nm are taken for: (i) a set of samples derived from organisms where the malonate transporters herein are not expressed; and (ii) a set of samples derived from organisms where the malonate transporters herein are expressed. Where malonate transporters are not expressed, a peak corresponds to OA which has an absorbance of 870 mAU at a retention time of 4.260 minutes; and a peak corresponds to OL which has an absorbance of 800 mAU at a retention time of 4.427 minutes. Where the malonate transporters herein are expressed, a peak corresponds to OA which has an absorbance of 3300 mAU at a retention time of 4.260 minutes; and a peak corresponds to OL which has an absorbance of 2250 mAU at a retention time of 4.427 minutes. The absorbance is proportional to concentration or titers. For the HPLC and absorption analysis, the weight and volume are identical for the set of samples containing organisms where the malonate transporters herein are not expressed and the set of samples where the malonate transporters herein are expressed. Stated another way, the difference between the two set of samples results the expression of the malonate transporters herein. The absorbance of OA and OL where the malonate transporters herein are expressed is 3.79 times and 2.55 times greater than where the malonate transporters herein are not expressed, respectively. Accordingly, this indicates that the titers of OA and OL are enhanced by a fold of 3.79 and 2.55 where the malonate transporters herein are expressed.

Example 5—Fermentation Products where the Malonate Transporter Therein are Overexpressed in an Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible (Vis) Spectrum

UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to match standards to fermentation products (see FIG. 11). A set of samples containing the fermentation derived products are compared to a set of samples containing analytical standards for olivetolic acid and olivetol. Organisms herein are genetically modified and fermented, where malonate transporters herein are expressed (see FIG. 9). The extraction and purification steps, as described in Example 1, are subsequently performed to selectively isolate the fermentation derived products in the set of samples. The measured weight of the fermentation derived products is identical to the measured weight of the analytical standards. The measured volume of solvent for dissolving the fermentation derived products is identical to the measured volume for dissolving the analytical standards. Both set of samples are dissolved in the same solvent, such as methanol. Other organic solvents can be used. The concentrations of both set of samples are identical to each other in terms of weight per volume. The optical absorbance of both sets of samples is identical to each other, as the set of samples containing the fermentation derived products is directly over the set of samples containing the analytical standards. The peaks of maximum of optical absorbance for the set of samples containing the fermentation derived products absorb at the same wavelengths as the set of samples containing the analytical standards. The optical absorbance and wavelengths of maximum absorbance (216.01 nm, 261.02 nm, and 299.78 nm) indicates that the fermentation derived products are olivetolic acid and olivetol. Further, this also indicates that expressing malonate transporters herein and fermentation of the genetically modified organisms herein leads to the isolation of olivetolic acid and olivetol.

Other Embodiments

The detailed description set-forth above is provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. However, the invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed because these embodiments are intended as illustration of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description which does not depart from the spirit or scope of the present inventive discovery. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

REFERENCES CITED

All publications, patents, patent applications and other references cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application or other reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Citation of a reference herein shall not be construed as an admission that such is prior art to the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for increasing production of a cannabinoid molecule or cannabinoid precursor molecule in genetically modified microbial cells, the method comprising: a) producing in the genetically modified microbial cells at least one non-naturally occurring polypeptide that allows for production of the cannabinoid molecule or cannabinoid precursor molecule, in the genetically modified microbial cell, wherein the non-naturally occurring polypeptide comprises at least one enzyme selected from the following group: aromatic prenyltransferase (CBGAS), tetrahydrocannabiolicacid (THCA) synthase, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase; b) introducing into the genetically modified microbial cells a malonate transporter gene or pair of malonate transporter genes that encode a malonate transporter protein that malonate or malonic acid into the genetically modified microbial cell; c) feeding the genetically modified microbial cells that produce the malonate transporter protein and the at least one non-naturally occurring polypeptide with a culture media that comprises malonate or malonic acid, thereby increasing the level of malonate or malonic acid inside the genetically modified microbial cell; d) isolating the cannabinoid molecule or cannabinoid precursor molecule from the genetically modified microbial cell culture.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the genetically modified microbial cell is selected from Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces dobzhanskii, and Rhizobium trifolii.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the malonate transporter protein is a sequence selected from the following group: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8 or consists of two polypeptides having a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10 or SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO:
 12. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabinoid precursor molecule is olivetol, olivetolic acid, a derivative of olivetol, or a derivative of olivetolic acid.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cannabinoid molecule is THCA, cannabigerolic acid, CBDA or CBCA.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein during introduction into the genetically modified microbial cells the malonate transporter gene or the pair of malonate transporter genes is integrated into genomic DNA of the genetically modified microbial cells.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein upon introduction into the genetically modified microbial cells the malonate transporter gene or the pair of malonate transporter genes is maintained on an episomal plasmid inside genetically modified microbial cells.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the malonate transporter gene or the pair of malonate transporter genes is heterologous to the genetically modified microbial cells. 